{"id":1296,"date":"2023-11-26T05:33:56","date_gmt":"2023-11-26T05:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wandercapetown.com\/?p=1296"},"modified":"2024-07-09T09:22:30","modified_gmt":"2024-07-09T09:22:30","slug":"kalk-bay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wandercapetown.com\/neighbourhood-guide\/kalk-bay\/","title":{"rendered":"Kalk Bay | Exploring the coastal village\u2019s top things to do & see"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The coastal village of Kalk Bay is a beautiful place to spend the day – or weekend – with unique thrift stores, splendid hikes, fantastic food and a number of ocean activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it is a part of Cape Town, Kalk Bay can only be reached by a number of beautiful drives, or a train trip from the city center<\/a>. It’s kind of the gateway to our Deep South<\/a>! This sense of isolation makes you really feel like you\u2019re visiting a little village. And so does its small town vibe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been visiting Kalk Bay through much of my childhood and as a university student desperate to get out of the city. And so, I\u2019ve put together a guide on all the best things to do in Kalk Bay, whether you\u2019re interested in adventures, shopping, exploring or eating. And if you tick them all off, you\u2019ll find that you definitely want to come back and do it all again soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in Kalk Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wondering what to do in Kalk Bay? I\u2019ve got you covered! Let\u2019s jump right into everything you can enjoy here, whether you\u2019re exploring solo, with friends, or with your kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a dip in the tidal pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dalebrook Tidal Pool is one of the best in Cape Town, providing a lovely place to swim without concern for the currents. It\u2019s a large oceanside pool with waves crashing over its side at high tide. The water is very chilly here, but a frigid dip is very worthwhile! It\u2019s surrounded by lots of rocks to sun yourself on, so you\u2019ll be able to warm yourself back up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tidal pool is also nicely secluded despite being right beside the main road, because you have to cross under the rail line to reach it, and it\u2019s right at the edge of the road\u2019s busy section. So it\u2019s pretty ideal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the harbour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"kalk<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalk Bay\u2019s harbour is particularly interesting, with fishermen often lining the one side, seals lazing in the sun, and waves soaking the incautious tourist! It\u2019s lovely, particularly on sunny days. You\u2019ll pass fish being skinned and cut by locals, so the air is thick with fishy smells, but it\u2019s part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll along to the end of the pier and look back at beautiful Kalk Bay. Peer over and see if you can see the fish and seals swimming about, and watch the activity on and off the boats in harbour. It\u2019s such a vibrant, lively scene. The thin spray that often curls over the pier will leave you a bit salty-sticky, and if the sun is bright, it feels like the whole village can\u2019t possibly have a care in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get fish and chips at Kalkys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"happily<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalkys is a fish and chips institution! I remember regular trips here throughout my childhood and we always went to Kalkys – although it took me many years to learn that it wasn\u2019t called Corkies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalkys is a no-nonsense, budget fish and chips restaurant right on the harbour, with lovely views, simple good food, and a uniquely South African atmosphere. The type that\u2019s always full and bustling, where they shout your number and the tomato sauce comes in any bottle they could find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go thrift store shopping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the main things to do in Kalk Bay! The seaside village has so many fantastic thrift stores, vintage markets, and old bookstores. It\u2019s a haven for thrift shoppers looking for something unusual and interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also find a great deal of the old ceramics that were very popular in South Africa\u2019s past – particularly Dutch and Afrikaans pieces – and give you a peek into the homes and lives of past Saffas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The books, too, are a throwback to South Africa\u2019s past, and you can find some really special works here. Especially at Quagga Rare Books and Art! You can also buy old maps and artworks – but they have a price tag to match their rarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join a beading workshop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"our<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the mood to take it easy, enjoy a beautiful view, and get creative with your friends<\/a>, head to Soul<\/a>. The beautiful store, filled with intricate, hand-crafted jewellery, is only the beginning. Soul, which focuses on African-made crafts and sustainable jewellery, has a secret spot around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the few steps up, and you\u2019ll enter a lovely little workshop space. Here you can bead your own bracelets, with a plethora of colourful, quality beads before you. This isn\u2019t a workshop in the sense of being taught and led through the beading process. Rather, one of the ladies will explain what to do and the hand-crafted brass ornaments that you can add to your bracelet, before bringing you tea and cookies (or gin and tonic, depending on your mood).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We thoroughly enjoyed picking out various colourful beads, and stringing them together while listening to Edith Pfiaf and chatting through our weeks. The space is private, has a gorgeous view, and is really ideal for a get-together with friends, a crafty birthday, or a girls’ day out. Best of all, you get to take home your beautiful creations, which are sized perfectly to your wrist. I haven\u2019t taken mine off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find some special treasures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While Kalk Bay Is famous for its thrift stores, the little neighbourhood also has some really lovely contemporary shops. And in particular, shops showcasing local small businesses<\/a>\u2019 work, from knitted jerseys and handcrafted ceramics to organic, sustainable produce<\/a>, skincare, and household products. There are some real treasures to be found!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick your favourite flavours at Ice Cafe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another big favourite (for anyone who\u2019s ever been here) is Ice Cafe. Located right in the center of Kalk Bay\u2019s main street, you can\u2019t miss it. The flavours are fantastic, and there\u2019s something new every time I\u2019ve been. You can sit on the bench outside and enjoy your ice cream, or bring it along with you to the beach, where you can finish it off with a view. Of course, this bit of fun is best in summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set off on a hike<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of hikes above Kalk Bay, and all of them are really beautiful, with views over the bay and the shining blue ocean. As well as indigenous forest and scrub along the trails, and some impressively monolithic rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Spes Bona and Echo Valley trails are both easy to intermediate, and easy enough for the kids to join. Or if you want to see a bit of Boomslang Cave, the trail goes by the same name, and is an equally fantastic hike!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go spelunking at Boomslang Cave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the coolest adventure activities in Cape Town<\/a>, this bit of caving is not for the faint of heart. It\u2019s much better to go with a guide, as some sections of the cave are narrow with a steep drop below you, so it can get super intimidating if you feel like you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The caves are thrilling, with low-ceilinged sections filled with sleeping bats you don\u2019t want to disturb, narrow crevices, and huge caverns. Whether or not you do go with a guide, be sure to bring a strong head torch, something warm, and a good amount of water – you\u2019ll be underground for up to 2 hours! It\u2019s also best to wear long pants and shirt, as you\u2019ll be slipping and scraping along a good bit. And most importantly, enjoy the adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grab something tasty at Olympia Cafe and Bakery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"olympia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I know that it\u2019s hard to fit ice cream, fish and chips, and <\/em>a trip to Olympia into one day. But if you can wangle it that you start your day with a trip to Olympia, and then following a nice tiring hike, you have your fish and then ice cream, I think you\u2019re in for a perfect food day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If not, you may have to get some goodies at the bakery and assure yourself you\u2019ll come back for the cafe later! Olympia is just something special, with phenomenal food and a great vibe to match – I\u2019ve been blown away the few times I\u2019ve been here. Their bakery is as impressive as their kitchen, and you\u2019ll be really pressed to decide amongst all the fabulous options. But don\u2019t let that deter you! Two of my top recommendations here are the nutty triangles and the cinnamon sticks – incredible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy some books<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"second<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few fantastic bookstores in Kalk Bay, including second-hand, antique, and new. So you’re really spoiled for choice. But perhaps the best of them is the street vendor outside Olympia Cafe. His selection is the best I’ve ever seen, and I walked away with seven new books – my biggest haul ever, and all novels I’d been looking for for years. He’s also a great person to chat to about books, and can give some fantastic recommendations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy cocktails at Cape to Cuba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re spending the evening in Kalk Bay, I\u2019d definitely include a stop at Cape to Cuba. It\u2019s quite pricey, so not for everyone, but its beach hut vibe, colourful decor, and Latin music certainly makes it memorable. Not to mention the drinks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch a train back to the city<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We usually catch a train to and from Kalk Bay, as it\u2019s such a cheap and easy way to get here, and you have lovely views over the coast for much of the trip. Of course, our trains in Cape Town are a bit of a mess, with ripped seats and graffiti. Still, it\u2019s an adventure made no less so by the train\u2019s conditions, and you\u2019ll be looking out the open windows most of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people are concerned about safety levels on trains, but as long as you pick a carriage that has a few other people in it, and don\u2019t travel past 6pm (5pm in winter), and practice normal safety precautions, you should be all good! I used to take the train a few times a week, and it was just a cheap and easy means of transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wrote an informational post on safety tips and resources in Cape Town<\/a>, including the different public transport options, if you want to check that out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free and cheap spaces in Kalk Bay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finding affordable alternatives has become a lot more important for locals and travellers alike. Fortunately, Kalk Bay has a few communal hangouts that are either free or very inexpensive for those adventuring on a budget, and for city locals. Because it’s such a beautiful place to be in \u2014 you shouldn’t need lots of money to enjoy the day here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n